Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has urged the county government to pay Community Health Promoters their monthly stipends before the close of the current financial year.
Osotsi said CHPs play a critical role in the country’s healthcare system and should be supported through prompt and fair payment.
The senator spoke at Ikobero Salvation Army Church in Busali ward, where he said failing to pay the health workers within this year will subject them to further suffering and prevent them from doing their work.
“These dedicated professionals are the cornerstone of our primary healthcare system. Ensuring they receive fair and timely compensation is vital to sustaining their invaluable service to our communities,” he said.
The senator's call comes in the wake of the national government’s recent release of delayed funds to counties, which he welcomed as a positive step toward addressing urgent community needs.
Osotsi said it was unfortunate that county governments did not prioritise payment of the CHPs, despite them being front-line health workers.
A fortnight ago, Osotsi urged the government to offer primary healthcare workers permanent and pensionable terms of service to ensure the success of the Universal Health Coverage programme.
"The Ministry of Health must prioritise transition of UHC staff to permanent and pensionable terms to guarantee them dignity and certainty of employment as they are front line health workers delivering critical services to Kenyans," he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Osotsi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Vihiga receives its fair share in the upcoming national revenue-sharing formula.
He urged national policymakers to consider the pressing realities on the ground and called for equitable allocation of resources.
“Our county must not be left behind. It is essential that national resource allocation reflects the real and pressing needs of our people. Advocacy for equity in distribution is not just a duty, it is a necessity for sustainable development.”
